Iran referred to UN Security Council for nuclear non-compliance

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has referred Iran to the United Nations Security Council for non-compliance with its obligations under the non-proliferation treaty. This marks the first such action in two decades. The IAEA's board of governors reached this decision at a Vienna meeting, citing issues with Iran's transparency regarding its nuclear material and facilities.

Specifically, the agency expressed concerns over its limited information on the country's stockpile of highly enriched uranium and the lack of access to key nuclear sites for inspections. Tehran strongly condemned the IAEA's decision, attributing the disruptions to Israeli and U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities during prior conflicts.

The resolution, proposed by the UK, France, Germany, and the U.S., received support from 23 nations, with eight abstentions and votes against from China, Russia, and Niger. The document calls for IAEA chief Rafael Grossi to report Iran to the Security Council. Iran had warned the IAEA against taking such a step, alleging that the agency's disruption of inspections led to the current situation.

The IAEA has not had access to Iran's nuclear facilities since the 2025 conflicts, which were renewed in February with Israeli and U.S. strikes on Natanz and Fordo uranium enrichment plants. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, a claim disputed by the U.S., Israel, and several European countries, who suspect Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons.

At the onset of the latest U.S.-Israel war against Iran, Iran possessed approximately 440 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium, which could be quickly enriched to the 90% level required for weapons-grade material.